Jewelry is one of the most popular forms of adornment and has been around for centuries. Gold has always been considered a symbol of wealth and luxury, and as a result, it is a popular choice for jewelry. However, not all gold is created equal, and it is important to understand the value of gold when buying or selling jewelry. One way to do this is by understanding jewelry hallmarks.
Jewelry hallmarks are marks that are stamped on gold jewelry to indicate its purity and authenticity. These hallmarks can be found on the inside of a ring band or on the back of a pendant. Understanding these hallmarks can help you determine the value of your gold jewelry.
One of the most common hallmarks you will see on gold jewelry is a number followed by the letters "k" or "kt". This number indicates the purity of the gold in the jewelry. In order to make gold hard enough to use for different applications, other metals must be added. In the United States, 14k is the most common because it has increased strength from the other added metals, but still predominantly gold, keeping it looking good for decades. “14k” literally means 14 parts gold + 10 parts other metals to equal 24k total, or in terms of percentages, 53.8% gold. In the same way, 18k gold is 75% and 10k gold is 41.7%. This is why you may see “750” or “417” hallmarks to indicate 18k and 10k. The higher the karat, the more valuable the jewelry as it contains more gold.
Understanding jewelry hallmarks is important when buying or selling gold jewelry. By knowing purity, you can determine its true value. This can help you make an informed decision when purchasing jewelry and can also help you get a fair price when selling it.
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